Pair Rare Religious Tract Society, London Children's Christian Books, circa 1873-80

Books : Religious Tract Society, London

 

A truly unique pair of 19th century books. Both were published by the Religious Tract Society of London (founded in 1799) and were advertised as Christian Literature for Children. These small books were a portion of the evangelist movement of the Society and were intended to teach Christian values and high moral standards.

The first is entitled "Sallie, A Little Sister" written by Edith Cornforth. The cloth-covered (blue) board cover is imprinted with floral designs and has a 1/4 page illustration. All 80 pages are present, although one page has the corner broken off (but still saved in the book). The cracking of the brittle first 6 pages is evidence of the age but they can be professionally restored. The back pages list the available series from the Religious Tract Society and are very nicely illustrated. The frontispiece is a beautifully multicolored wood engraving. This book is the 109th of the "Little Dot" Series.

The second of the pair is entitled "David, The Scholar" and is the 33rd of the "Little Dot" Series. An older book than the first, it is in much better condition. The red cover is also a cloth covered board with the same floral design and 1/4 page illustration. The standard 80 page presentation is followed and the colored frontispiece and wood engravings are expertly printed.

Both books are 6" x 4 1/2" and are published by The Religious Tract Society, 56 Paternoster Row, London. "David" was printed by Knight, Printer, Middle Street, EC while "Sallie" was printer by Pardon & Sons, Printers, London. Each is the original printing rather than reprints distributed through later international organizations.

Item ID: 0310

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